A Cambridge woman has praised the “kindness of others who donate blood" after she received a life-saving blood transfusion – and is urging more people to sign up to the donor register.

April Heath, who is training to be a teacher at Cambridge University's Faculty of Education, needed urgent blood transfusions after a rare tumour burst in her stomach.

The 24-year-old was unexpectedly admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with a severe case of anaemia. She received five units of blood during her hospital treatment, which saved her life.

Thankfully tests have since confirmed that the tumour was benign and she is now almost fully recovered.

April, who lives in Hughes Hall, Petersfield, first visited her doctor after feeling dizzy and tired, and becoming weak and pale.

“My skin was almost transparent and I couldn't move anywhere without support," said April, who is originally from Cheltenham.

“Without the kindness of others who donate blood I wouldn't have been able to go on much more, nor would have I been able to have had the life-saving surgery that I did undergo.

“So thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

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The student has played Flag Football – a form of American football – in the wide receiver and blitz positions for the Great Britain team and hopes to return to the squad when she is back to full fitness.

She is now urging people to support NHS Blood and Transplant's Missing Type campaign and register as new donors at blood.co.uk.

NHS Blood and Transplant – which first held Missing Type in England and North Wales last year – is now leading the campaign for new blood donors to ensure blood donation for future generations.

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Last year, 17,655 people in Cambridgeshire gave blood at least once, including 4,619 in Cambridge. New blood donors are crucial for ensuring the service has the right mix of blood groups to meet patient need in the years to come. There is a particular need for more young blood donors and more black and Asian donors.

Mike Stredder, director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Blood donation is an amazing gift and transfusions save lives in Cambridgeshire every day. Whether it is patients receiving treatment for cancer, blood disorders, after accidents or during surgery, or new mums who lost blood in childbirth, blood is an absolutely essential part of modern healthcare."

There is a dedicated blood donor centre in Cambridge, on the grounds of Addenbrooke's, with free parking. Or to sign up as a new donor online, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.